2012 Nominees - Environmental Sustainability

Jude Grass

An award-winning naturalist, Jude has been ‘volunteering for nature’ for more than 40 years.  Jude’s love of nature led her to join Nature BC in 1974 where she has held countless roles, including as first female President. Currently the President of the BC Field Ornithologists, she has also dedicated more than 20 years to organizing the Ladner Bird Count for hundreds of birders. The data collected is an invaluable resource for biologists and government seeking information on the biodiversity of the Vancouver area. For many years she has instilled the love of nature in young children through her involvement in Scouts Canada. In all her activities, Jude has endeavoured to bridge citizens, naturalists and government agencies to benefit ecosystems and natural spaces.

Conecting the Community Quote:

“As a youth that struggled with low self-esteem, I can relate to the issues that many youth face when entering grade seven. The YWCA healthy choices for youth program will make a big difference to these young people by providing them with the confidence in themselves to attain their goals in life and help them to become citizens that are concerned about the community they live in.”

Jacqueline Koerner

Jacqueline is a leader who has brought innovation to the environmental movement. She has acted on her belief that you cannot tackle environmental sustainability without addressing the economic needs and well-being of the communities that rely on those ecosystems for their livelihoods. As the founding Chair and current Board member of Ecotrust Canada, Jacqueline's signature is on the important work done by the organization at the intersection of conservation and community development. Jacqueline is a tireless convener who actively participates in community dialogues around philanthropic, non-profit and social finance policy. Currently a doctoral student in Geography at the University of British Columbia and a tutorial leader, she consistently asks students to question traditional models and to seek innovative approaches to environmental issues.

Conecting the Community Quote:

“Congratulations to the YWCA for the five programmatic areas presented, so hard to choose only one! I select safe and affordable housing – it is pivotal in building lives forward. Coupled with the YWCA’s Community Development Worker support, this combination provides the foundation for women and their families to be safe and to build stability and community connection into their lives.”

Janet Moore

As Assistant Professor at SFU’s Centre for Dialogue, Janet is a visionary teacher who uses experiential learning and dialogue to educate students and other citizens on solutions for community sustainability. She has inspired a generation of advocates who have individually and collectively contributed to a more sustainable region. She led the BC Working Group on Sustainability Education from 2006-2010, creating collaboration between government, non-profits and the academic sector. Janet’s vision, creativity and initiative is encapsulated in CityStudio, a multi-disciplinary hub of learning and leadership she co-founded, where post-secondary institutions and the City of Vancouver collaborate to move ideas about environment and sustainability into action. CityStudio has rapidly emerged as a leading force in the global movement of urban sustainability.

Conecting the Community Quote:

“As an educator focused on implementing sustainability education, I spend a great deal of time listening to young people who are deeply concerned about their future.  I choose to support healthy choices for youth because YWCA Vancouver is creating key programs that empower young people to become our future leaders in addressing complex social, environmental and community issues. ”

Louise Schwarz

After more than two decades of establishing ethical environmental business opportunities, Louise has forged a thriving path towards sustainability. In 1989 she established Recycling Alternative, a waste stream and materials recovery company. From its humble beginnings picking up used office paper in Louise’s old hatchback, Recycling Alternative today employs over 30 people. The company has provided a home for projects such as the Vancouver Biodiesel Co-op, with Louise driving the concept of Green Hub, an initiative to create a business centre for ‘green’ enterprises. In 2011, in partnership with Vancouver’s Farmers Markets, she lobbied to establish the city’s first Food Scraps Drop Spot program, a composting project that has already diverted 40,000 pounds of food scraps from the landfill, and one which she continues to volunteer significant time towards.

Conecting the Community Quote:

“Every child is owed security, stability and support from a community that cares. Child poverty may not be the first inequity we think of in Canada’s poorest neighbourhood, but it is there, on our doorstep.  YWCA’s reducing child poverty programs help DTES children and their families. How can we be building a better world, if we are still raising our children in poverty?”

Lisa von Sturmer

A champion for waste reduction, urban agriculture and composting, Lisa is the founder and CEO of Growing City, North America's first and only premium office composting service. Her creative approach to composting, combined with her understanding of corporate clients’ needs, have helped her create a business that makes it easy for offices to introduce organics recycling programs. Using innovative metrics reporting, branding and testimonials, Growing City has grown by more than 100% in the past year through word of mouth and referrals alone and Lisa’s efforts have helped the organization to divert roughly 190 metric tonnes of waste from local offices in the past two years. Lisa is an active community volunteer and under her leadership, each month Growing City donates time, service or compost to local organizations or charities.

Conecting the Community Quote:

“I support preventing violence against women because when we break the cycle our whole community reaps the rewards. YWCA is changing lives by creating a safe and supportive environment where women can rediscover themselves and heal. With the proper assistance and guidance these women can not only regain control over their lives but also have an unlimited potential to inspire and impact their children.”

Elaine Willis

Elaine Willis, long-time environmental activist, community volunteer and teacher pursues a life of service and extraordinary accomplishment, in spite of living with Ataxia, a degenerative neurological disease. As a founding member of the Tri-City Green Council and an active volunteer in her community, Elaine has shown that with determination and hard work it is entirely possible to turn negative barriers into positive community action. Elaine’s tireless commitment to the environment includes participation as Treasurer of Mossom Creek Hatchery and Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, a core member of the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable, and considerable contribution to local government committees. In 2010, Elaine was honoured for her continuing efforts by the Tri-Cities with the Spirit of Community Award for the Environment.

Conecting the Community Quote:

“BC continues to have one of Canada’s highest child poverty rates. The Tri-Cities is not exempt with poverty here largely hidden behind the newness of our homes. Children needing food are asked at school to contribute to local food-banks, sometimes sharing items from almost bare cupboards. Poverty is, sadly, associated with shame and blame. No child chooses to be poor. I support reducing child poverty.”